While working to ensure that underserved communities have access to quality dental services, Kool Smiles strives to create a fun, welcoming environment for both children and parents. In doing so, Kool Smiles places a strong focus on recruiting dental professionals who are not only medically qualified, but also adept at providing friendly, compassionate care.

From May 11 to May 15, 2015, Kool Smiles sought to grow its dental team with an online career fair. The five-day event gave candidates a chance to explore over 100 professional opportunities within Kool Smiles' national dental care network, which includes more than 125 practices throughout 15 states and Washington, DC. The career fair presented a number of job openings for general dentists, anesthesiologists, and oral surgeons, among other positions.

Offering employment opportunities for both experienced practitioners and recent dental school graduates, the job fair allowed candidates to discuss Kool Smiles and its career opportunities with recruitment specialists via Twitter. By tweeting their questions to @Kool_Smiles, interested dental professionals gained insight into company culture, employee benefits, and various possible career paths. Additionally, they could access a plethora of informational content on the practice’s career website, www.koolsmilesjobs.com, where candidates can apply for full- and part-time positions across the United States.

A naturally occurring mineral,fluorideplays an important role in dental health, providing protection against the deteriorative effects of acid. When consumed, sugar serves as food for oral bacteria, which in turn produce acid that can cause tooth decay and create cavities. Fluoride can protect against dental decay by strengthening tooth enamel, reinforcing the barrier between the tooth’s surface and harmful acids. Additionally, fluoride may help repair existing tooth decay before it becomes a visible cavity, serving to re-mineralize areas affected by acid.

Fluoride is naturally present in soil, as well as in certain foods and bodies of water, and is also an extremely common ingredient in toothpaste. Because studies have indicated that fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water reduce the occurrence of dental decay in both children and adults by no less than 25 percent, many cities introduce small amounts of fluoride into the water supply. In areas where this is not the case, patients may discuss the option of fluoride drops or tablets with their dentists. Additionally, many individuals receive fluoride treatments during their semiannual dental visits, acquiring added protection via a concentrated fluoride gel.

A leading provider of children’s dental services, Kool Smiles strives to bring quality, affordable dental care to underserved communities. In pursuit of this goal, the practice offers locations throughout the United States and partners with community health centers to implement and improve dental health services.

Kool Smiles has actively sought out partnership opportunities with community health centers since 2010, when it opened its first integrated location at Community HealthNet in Gary, Indiana. The practice remodeled both the lobby and dental space of the community health center, allowing it to serve more patients and adding a TV and children’s activities to create a welcoming waiting area. Kool Smiles also implemented a new practice management system, as well as updated X-ray equipment. After just three months, these improvements led to an 88 percent increase in dental patient volume, garnering praise from Community HealthNet and legislative support from Indiana lawmakers.

Kool Smiles hopes to implement the Gary model at other community health centers across the United States in order to assist them in turning their unused space into an opportunity to serve more patients. In addition to helping community health centers to fulfill their federal responsibility to provide dental care, Kool Smiles allows them to direct the bulk of their resources to medical care and mental health services.

Kool Smiles has strived for more than a decade to create an enjoyable dental experience for families while working to bring quality dental care to underserved communities across the United States. During February 2015, Kool Smiles observed National Children’s Dental Health Month by offering a day of free dental care for children without dental insurance. The event, which took place on Sunday, February 22, provided dental care to more than 450 children in 13 states. At 53 Kool Smiles locations, over 400 dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and additional staff worked together to provide a wide range of operative dental procedures. Services provided included dental exams, extractions, fillings, and sealants. Dental professionals also provided limited emergency care, as well as root canals and crowns for baby teeth.

In serving young patients who lack dental insurance, Kool Smiles’ Sharing Smiles day sought to address a significant need in the community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood tooth decay affects 42 percent of children aged 2 to 11 and is five times more prevalent than asthma. Kool Smiles’ dental professionals continue their work year round, partnering with local schools and organizations nationwide to promote dental hygiene and provide dental care. In 2014, the practice’s dentists donated over $16 million in pro bono care.

Kool Smiles has recently teamed with Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, the Deamonte Driver Dental Project and other dental providers in Governor O'Malley's Healthy Smiles Tour, Maryland's program that aims to educate the state's children and their parents about maintaining oral health and finding a quality dental care service provider. Kool Smiles is dedicated to providing quality oral health care to children regardless of their parent's income, economic status or background and was established with the intention of delivering quality care to under served populations. The efforts of Governor O'Malley show a step in the right direction as public service officials begin to take stock of the oral health of today's youth. The Surgeon General has declared an oral health crisis among American children with tooth decay being the most common disease among our young population. With programs like Governor O'Malley's, awareness of this growing problem is increased, both informing parents and giving children unconditional access to dental care and the oral health education that will help ensure a healthy mouth for a lifetime.

Governor O'Malley was driven to spearhead this initiative after the death of Deamonte Driver, a young man receiving Medicaid who suffered from a simple toothache. After his mother was unable to locate a dentist to see Deamonte, he died from serious complications associated with the toothache. Shocked by such a loss, Governor O'Malley has resolved to do everything in his power to prevent these easily avoidable tragedies. Currently, over 50 percent of 5- to 9-year-old children have or have had at least one cavity. That figure increases to 78 percent among 17 year olds. The main goal of the program is to make services available to Medicaid-eligible children throughout Maryland so that they are not refused routine, life-saving care.

Kool Smiles has opened five offices in Maryland to promote the initiative of Governor O'Malley. The Healthy Smiles Tour was commenced at Seat Pleasant Elementary School in Prince George's County at an event in which Kool Smiles of District Heights provided free dental screenings to all Seat Pleasant students.

Kool Smiles strives to make quality dental care accessible to all families, operating dental offices in underserved communities throughout the United States. Kool Smiles’ support for these communities extends beyond the walls of its practice, as it encourages each office location to undertake a variety of outreach activities in its area.

Kool Smiles has forged numerous local partnerships with schools, state agencies, and community organizations to work to improve access to dental care and overall public health. The practice works with local schools and day care centers to facilitate free dental screenings while providing children with oral health supplies. In addition to teaching children about the importance of oral health, Kool Smiles sponsors free educational opportunities for parents and teachers aimed at preventing dental issues that may impact students’ academic performance. At the same time, the practice works alongside dental associations and government agencies to improve access to quality dental care.

In 2014, Kool Smiles dentists provided over $16 million in free care to families in need, and it served more than 450 children in 13 states for free during the practice’s annual “Sharing Smiles” free care day. Kool Smiles’ annual outreach programs also include Operation Troop Treats, which sends donated Halloween candy to troops serving overseas while offering children toys in exchange for their contributions.

Dedicated to providing affordable, quality dental care in a fun environment, Kool Smiles caters to underserved communities throughout the United States. In December 2014, the national dental care provider presented a $25,000 grant to the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry (LSUSD) to fund both dental education and treatment. The grant will facilitate dental care for 65 pediatric patients while providing pediatric dentistry training and experience for just as many dental students.

Pediatric dentistry training at LSUSD covers common restorative procedures such as stainless steel crowns, composite restorations, and pulp therapy. Students also learn behavior guidance strategies for children up to age 8. The Kool Smiles grant program will connect these students with young patients whose families lack sufficient financial resources or access to a Kool Smiles office and are not eligible to receive government assistance. In this way, Kool Smiles and LSUSD will provide not only pediatric dental care for families who might otherwise be unable to access it, but also a valuable learning experience for dental students with a passion for pediatric dentistry.

Leading dental care provider Kool Smiles continued its efforts to help underserved communities across the United States throughout the month of February in recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month. For the third consecutive year, Kool Smiles distributed free toothbrushes and lesson plans to students from kindergarten through fifth grade in classrooms across the country.

Designed for teachers and parents alike, the comprehensive dental health lesson plans include age-appropriate discussion questions and activities that encourage good dental hygiene. They introduce students to the roles of food and candy in dental health and address common oral health issues. Additionally, the lesson plans include a variety of printable activities and experiments to further engage children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics ranks tooth decay as the most common chronic childhood disease in America. When left untreated, it not only results in oral pain and infection, but it can also cause issues with eating, speaking, and cognitive function. Kool Smiles’ free lesson plan and toothbrush campaign provides an opportunity for students to learn about the importance of dental hygiene at a young age, thus potentially curbing future dental health issues. Kool Smiles reached over 34,000 K-5 students across the United States in 2014, providing lesson plans for 1,234 educators and toothbrushes for 28,000 students.

Selecting a dentist to provide regular care for your child is as important as selecting a physician. Your child’s dentist will be your leading advisor as you work to prevent tooth and gum disease and establish healthy, lifelong personal care routines. And if your child looks forward to a visit to the dentist, the experience will be less stressful for both of you.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should have their first appointment by the time they reach the age of 1, or when their first tooth appears. Your pediatrician, family, and friends are all good sources for referrals to qualified pediatric dentists, and you can additionally search the AAPD website for connections to professionals in your area.

As your child grows up, his or her dentist will provide regular exams and advise you about specific concerns, such as whether to use a pacifier or how to deal with unhealthy habits such as teeth grinding. Your child’s dentist will check the growth patterns of the teeth and advise you on any necessary orthodontic treatments. And if your active child loses or damages a tooth through injury, your pediatric dentist will understand the best way to deal with the problem.

In addition, you will want to ask about his or her education and experience. A pediatric dentist will typically possess an additional two years of residency focused on caring for babies, children, and young adults, as well as for youth with special needs.

Your child’s dentist will serve as a source of education for you and your child, so take time to select a professional who makes both of you feel welcome. Does the dentist maintain a friendly, child-accessible office? Does the dentist listen to you and your child and give him or her information about what to expect from procedures? How does the dentist react when your child is afraid or becomes loud or restless? Does the dentist provide an authoritative but reassuring presence? It will be important to observe how your child and the dentist get along on a personal level.

By age 17, about 80 percent of young people have experienced one or more cavities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inadequate dental hygiene can lead to serious complications, with most American adults developing gingivitis or periodontal disease to some degree during their lifetime. Since teens tend to lead fast-paced academic and social lives, they are particularly at risk for neglecting their oral hygiene routines. And because they are independently mobile, parents may have less control over scheduling regular dental checkups for them. Following are a few points to share with your teen:

- Limit sugary soft drinks and those flavored with acidic-tasting additives, which can destroy tooth enamel. If your son or daughter insists on consuming lots of soft drinks, suggest drinking them through a straw, which can limit direct contact with the teeth. And if your teen remembers to rinse his or her mouth thoroughly afterward, the risk of developing cavities shrinks.

- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes per session. Playing a favorite song while brushing can help your teen reach this goal in an easy and enjoyable way. They should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and go over all surfaces of the teeth, inside, outside, and along the chewing surface. In addition, they should make sure to floss in order to remove particles around the gum line.

- Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. Teens should store the mouth guard in a well-ventilated container to avoid bacteria.

- Follow the instructions carefully when using any whitening product. Chances are your teen does not really need a teeth whitener, since teeth tend to yellow as people grow older. But if your teen insists, check with a dentist first to see if an in-office treatment would be a better choice than an over-the-counter purchase.

- Although it may be fashionable, tongue piercing can lead to chipped teeth, infection, or even damage so severe that a root canal may be required. You and your teen should reconsider an interest in this potentially dangerous practice.